CUET UG 2026 May 20 Analysis Shift 1: Memory-Based Questions With Solution

CUET UG 2026 May 20 Analysis Shift-wise

Students who have or will appear in CUET UG 2026 can check the May 20 analysis to get a clearer picture of the type of questions that are asked in the exam. NTA will conduct CUET 2026 on May 20 for subjects such as english, sociology, history and more. The CUET 2026 May 20 exam analysis will be shared soon after the shift ends.

Also read,

• CUET College Predictor 2026

CUET Geography Analysis 2026 - May 20 Shift 1

Population & Demographics

• Arranging countries/regions by population density
• Arranging population by stagnant years (year-wise)
• Highest decadal population growth year
• First census conducted - direct question

Geography Definitions & Concepts

• Human Geography - sample definition
• Arranging Human Geography years/events chronologically

Transportation & Infrastructure

• Arranging Trans Canadian Railway stations from East to West
• INSAT (Indian National Satellite System) - usage/application

Industries

• Identifying correct statement for footloose industry
• Primary Act - Match the following type question
• Secondary activities - direct question

Ports & Geography

• Port-related question - direct question on features/importance
• Land area - arranging from high to low

Theories & Historical Events

• Year of Thomas Malthus (population theory)

Formulas & Calculations

• Match the following:
  • Agricultural Density formula
  • Population Density formula
  • Other related density formulas

Case Studies

• 2-source case study
• Answers easily found in the passage

Overall Difficulty Level

Very Easy - As concluded by students

Exam Pattern Observations

• Mix of direct questions and application-based questions
• Matching type questions included
• Chronological arrangement questions
• Case study with passage-based answers
• Formula-based questions

CUET Sociology Analysis 2026 - May 19 Shift 2

Overall Difficulty Level

• Easier than previous year (2025)

• Well-prepared students could attempt 42-45/50 questions comfortably

• Balanced mix of theory and application-based questions

Question Types Distribution

• MCQs: Majority (~35-40 questions)

• Matching Questions: 4-5 questions (Easy difficulty)

• Case Studies: 2 (Moderate)

• Chronology: 2 questions

• Paragraph-based: 3-4 questions

CUET Math Topic-wise Coverage

Indian Society & Structure

• Jajmani system (definition-based)

• Caste system (conceptual understanding)

• Social stratification

• Land ceiling reforms

• Demographic dividend

Social Change & Modernization

• Urbanization (theories/impact)

• Globalization and Glocalization

• Commercialization of media

• Nation state concept

• Imagined community (Benedict Anderson)

Demographics & Population

• Decline of birth rate (trends/reasons)

• Linguistic reorganization (case study)

Thinkers & Theories

• Adam Smith (contributions)

• Women social reformers (book-author matching)

Case Studies

• Linguistic Reorganization of States (moderate difficulty)

• Globalization-related scenario (paragraph format)

Chronology Questions

• 2 sequence-based questions (likely on social movements/reforms)

Matching Question

• Women Social Reformers: Match authors with their books

CUET Maths Analysis 2026 - May 19 Shift 2

Overview

• Mathematics in Shift 2 was reported as moderate to difficult — noticeably harder than the Shift 1 General Aptitude paper.

• Questions were largely concept-driven with some calculation-heavy problems; no single chapter dominated excessively.

• Matching-type and statement-based questions appeared across multiple chapters — not just MCQs.

• Students who had practised PYQs (Previous Year Questions) were at an advantage, especially in ITF and Matrices.

• Chapters covered: Relations & Functions, ITF, Continuity & Differentiability, AOD, Integrals, Area of Integration, Differential Equations, Vector Algebra, LPP, and Probability.

CUET UG 2026 Math Analysis Chapter-wise Breakdown

1. Relations and Functions

• Matching-based questions appeared — likely matching relations to their properties.

• Statement-based questions on whether a relation is Reflexive (R), Symmetric (S), or Transitive (T) were asked.

• Students need to be clear on definitions: a relation can be R without S, or T without being an equivalence relation.

• Expected question types: "Check if the given relation is an equivalence relation", "Match the relation with its type."

2. Inverse Trigonometric Functions (ITF) + Matrices / Determinants

• Questions came directly from PYQs — students who had practised previous years had an edge here.

• Matrices/Determinants sub-topics tested:

  • Adjoint of matrix (Adj A) — a direct formula-based question.

  • Determinant evaluation — likely a 3×3 or 2×2 computation.

• ITF questions were reported as relatively easy.

• Expected question types: finding principal values, simplifying ITF expressions, adjoint and inverse of a matrix.

3. Continuity & Differentiability (CND)

• A graph was given and students had to identify continuity at a point — a visually-based question testing conceptual understanding rather than calculation.

• Students had to determine whether the function is continuous at a given x-value by interpreting the graph.

• This type requires clarity on left-hand limit (LHL), right-hand limit (RHL), and the function's value at that point.

4. Application of Derivatives (AOD)

• Questions on increasing and decreasing functions on intervals — find the interval where f(x) is increasing or decreasing.

• Likely involved finding f'(x), setting it to zero, and analysing sign changes.

• Standard difficulty; expected from NCERT examples and exercises.

5. Integrals

• A notable question: ∫ (log x − 3) / (log x)⁴ dx — and similar integrals of this pattern throughout.

• The technique involved is basic substitution — splitting the numerator or rewriting to use a standard form.

• Pattern: expressions of the form [f(x) + f'(x)] · eˣ or log-based manipulations that simplify with substitution.

• Students comfortable with substitution and log properties would have solved these smoothly.

6. Area of Integration (AOI)

• A parametric curve question: y = 3cosθ, x = 2sinθ — find the area enclosed.

• This is an ellipse in parametric form (x²/4 + y²/9 = 1).

• Required converting limits in terms of θ and integrating — a moderate to difficult question.

• Formula: Area = ∫ y dx expressed in terms of θ using substitution.

7. Differential Equations (DE)

• 4 to 5 questions came from this chapter — highest question count from any single topic in this shift.

• A matching question on order and degree of differential equations appeared.

• Sub-topics tested:

  • Variable separable method — separate f(x)dx and g(y)dy and integrate both sides.

  • Integrating Factor (IF) method — for linear DEs of the form dy/dx + Py = Q.

• With 4–5 questions, this was clearly the most heavily tested chapter in Shift 2 Maths.

8. Vector Algebra

• Questions were reported as easy overall.

• A specific question: if two lines intersect, find the value of m — requires equating direction ratios or solving a system from the condition of intersection.

• Other likely questions: dot product, cross product, magnitude, unit vectors, collinearity.

9. Linear Programming Problem (LPP)

• Reported as easy — statement-based and straightforward.

• Key question types:

  • Two corner points having the same optimal (maximum/minimum) value — implies infinite solutions along that edge.

  • Identifying the feasible region from given constraints.

  • Finding constraints from a described real-world situation.

• No complex graphing was required — reading the problem carefully was sufficient.

10. Probability

• P(at least one | given first is tail) — a conditional probability question requiring careful application of Bayes' or basic conditional formula.

• Matching questions also appeared — likely matching events to their probability values or types (mutually exclusive, independent, etc.).

• At least one = 1 − P(none) is the standard approach, combined with the conditional probability formula P(A|B) = P(A∩B)/P(B).

Question Distribution (Approximate)

Key Takeaways for Aspirants

• Differential Equations was the dominant chapter — 4 to 5 questions is unusually high for one chapter. Mastery of Variable Separable and IF method is non-negotiable.

• PYQ practice pays off — ITF and Matrices questions reportedly came directly from previous year patterns. Solve at least 5 years of CUET PYQs.

• Matching and statement-based questions are increasing — Relations, Probability, and DE all had non-standard MCQ formats. Practice identifying relation properties and DE order/degree quickly.

• Parametric integration (AOI) was the hardest question — the ellipse via y = 3cosθ, x = 2sinθ requires solid understanding of parametric curves and substitution in integrals.

• Log-based integrals were pattern-based — once you recognise the substitution form, these are solvable quickly. Practice ∫ (log x + a)/(log x)ⁿ type questions.

• LPP and Vector Algebra were easy scoring sections — students should have secured full marks here with standard preparation.

• Overall difficulty: Moderate to Difficult — higher than typical CUET Maths papers; time management and chapter prioritisation would have been key.

CUET GAT Analysis 2026 - May 19 Shift 1

1. General Knowledge & Static GS (Approx. 8 Questions)

This was the most heavily weighted area in Shift 1. Questions covered Indian history, classical literature, constitutional bodies, and cultural heritage:

• A question asked which writer accompanied Mahmud of Ghazni to India — the answer is Alberuni, the Persian scholar and historian.

• Students were asked about the launch year of Chandrayaan-1 — India's first lunar mission, launched on October 22, 2008.

• A question on the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India tested awareness of who currently holds the post — this required current affairs knowledge.

• The Tamil classic Kural (Thirukkural) was attributed to its author — Thiruvalluvar.

• The Lucknow Pact of 1916, signed between the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, was asked — students needed to recall the name of the pact.

• The Pitamah (grandfather) of Carnatic Music was asked — the answer widely accepted is Purandaradasa.

• A question on which king authored the Sanskrit play Ratnavali — written by King Harsha Vardhana.

• The Polavaram Project and the river it is built across — it is constructed on the Godavari river in Andhra Pradesh.

2. Current Affairs (Approx. 2 Questions)

Current affairs had limited but important presence:

• The "Per Drop More Crop" initiative — a micro-irrigation scheme launched in 2015–16 under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (PMKSY).

• Indian Women's Cricket Team winning the ICC Women's Cricket World Cup 2025 — students were asked about the opponent in the final. India beat South Africa by 52 runs in the final held on November 2, 2025 at DY Patil Stadium, Navi Mumbai, claiming their maiden Women's ODI World Cup title.

3. Polity & Geography (Approx. 2 Questions)

• A multiple-choice question asked which country India does not share a maritime boundary with — options included China, Bhutan, Maldives, Sri Lanka, and Cambodia. The key answer here is Bhutan, which is a landlocked country and shares no sea boundary with India. Cambodia also has no maritime boundary with India. This question was a deliberate trap for students who may confuse land borders with maritime ones.

• The first Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh after independence — Govind Ballabh Pant, who assumed office in August 1947.

4. Quantitative Aptitude (Approx. 7 Questions)

The Maths section was formula-driven and did not include complex multi-step problems:

• Median calculation — involved rearranging a data set and identifying the middle value.

• Speed and distance — a straightforward application of the time-speed-distance formula.

• Area of a triangle — likely coordinate-based or formula-based.

• Arithmetic Progression (AP) — finding the n-th term or sum of a series.

• Angular distance — a concept-based question involving arc length or degree measurement.

• Calendar-based question — finding the day of the week for a given date.

• Probability — a basic probability calculation.

5. Reasoning & Mental Ability (Approx. 4 Questions)

Reasoning questions were standard and on expected lines:

• Pattern recognition — identifying the next element in a visual or number series.

• Coding-decoding — alphabet or number substitution logic.

• Direction sense — a classic distance-from-starting-point problem involving turns (requiring Pythagoras theorem for the final answer).

• Rearranging in order — arranging a sequence of words or items logically.

Key Takeaways for Students

1. Static GK dominated the paper — history, literature, polity, and cultural heritage facts made up the bulk of the GK section. Thorough preparation of NCERT-based static GK remains essential.

2. Maths was moderate — no complex or multi-step problems. Focus on formulas for median, AP, probability, area, and speed-distance.

3. Reasoning was predictable — no new or unusual formats appeared. Direction sense, coding-decoding, and pattern recognition are recurring topics.

4. Current affairs were limited but scoring — only 2 questions, but both were from important events (government schemes and sports). Covering the last 12 months of current affairs is sufficient.

5. The maritime boundary question was the primary trap — students must distinguish between land and maritime boundaries. Bhutan (landlocked) and Cambodia (no shared sea border with India) are the critical answers.

6. Overall difficulty: Moderate — well-prepared students would have found this shift comfortable. No unusually difficult or out-of-syllabus questions were reported.

CUET English Analysis 2026 - May 19 Shift 1

1. Reading Comprehension (10 Questions — 5 each)

Two reading passages were asked, with 5 questions each:

• The first passage was on the benefits of nature — likely covering themes of mental well-being, environmental impact, or the therapeutic value of natural settings. Questions would have tested inference, vocabulary in context, and main idea identification.

• The second passage was on crossing a stream — a narrative or descriptive passage. Questions likely tested comprehension, tone, and contextual understanding.

Reading comprehension alone contributed 10 marks, making it the single largest section in the paper. Students who read the passages carefully before attempting questions would have had a clear advantage.

2. Spelling (1 Question)

• Students were asked to identify the correct spelling of "Evanescence" — a word meaning the process of fading or vanishing gradually. Common misspellings include "Evanescense" or "Evanescance." The correct spelling is E-v-a-n-e-s-c-e-n-c-e.

3. Synonyms (2 Questions)

Two synonym-based questions were asked:

• Osteoporosis — a medical term referring to a condition of weak, brittle bones. In a synonym context, it may have been paired with words related to bone loss or fragility. This was an unusual inclusion and tested subject-specific vocabulary.

• Conundrum — meaning a confusing or difficult problem or question. Synonyms include enigma, puzzle, riddle, dilemma.

4. Antonyms (3 Questions)

Three antonym questions appeared. While the exact words were not reported, the inclusion of 3 questions signals that antonyms were a notable focus in this shift. Students should focus on commonly tested advanced vocabulary for antonym preparation.

5. Sentence Rearrangement (5 Questions)

Five jumbled sentence questions were asked — this is a significant count and suggests a dedicated set. These questions test logical sequencing, cohesion, and coherence. Students need to identify the opening statement, supporting sentences, and concluding thought to rearrange correctly.

6. Direct to Indirect Speech (1 Question)

One question asked students to convert a sentence from direct speech to indirect (reported) speech. This is a standard grammar topic testing knowledge of tense backshift, pronoun changes, and reporting verbs.

7. Idioms (3 Questions)

Three questions were asked on idioms — testing whether students could identify the correct meaning or usage. Idioms are a recurring feature in CUET English and require familiarity with common English expressions.

8. Vocabulary — Word in a Sentence (2 Questions)

Students were asked to use specific words correctly in a sentence:

• Incorrigible — meaning a person or behaviour that is beyond correction or reform. Example: "He was an incorrigible liar who never changed his ways."

• Petrology — the branch of science that deals with the origin, structure, and composition of rocks. Example: "She pursued a degree in petrology to study the ancient rock formations."

These questions test whether students understand the precise meaning and contextual use of advanced vocabulary.

9. Vocabulary — Polyglot (1 Question)

• A question on the word polyglot — meaning a person who knows and uses several languages. This was likely a definition, fill-in-the-blank, or usage-based question.

10. Phrasal Verbs (3 Questions)

Three phrasal verb questions were asked. Phrasal verbs are a consistent feature of CUET English and require understanding of verb + preposition/adverb combinations and their contextual meaning (e.g., "give up," "look into," "carry out").

11. Grammatical Correction (2 Questions)

Two questions tested grammar correction — likely involving subject-verb agreement, tense errors, article usage, or preposition errors. Students needed to identify and correct the grammatical mistake in a given sentence.

12. Figures of Speech (2 Questions)

Two questions on figures of speech were asked. These may have included identification of simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, or alliteration from a given sentence or passage. Figures of speech questions are standard in CUET English and reward students who read literature regularly.

CUET Chemistry Analysis 2026 - May 19 Shift 1

• Chemistry had 50 questions in total, split across Organic, Inorganic, and Physical Chemistry.

• Organic Chemistry was the heaviest section at 40% of the paper; Inorganic and Physical were equal at 30% each.

• The paper was fully within the NCERT Class 11–12 syllabus — no out-of-syllabus questions were reported.

• Overall difficulty was moderate; no section was reported as significantly harder than expected.

• A unique feature of this shift was a 5-question reading comprehension set within Organic Chemistry, testing applied reading alongside core concepts.